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Starting a PhD is an exciting transition from structured study to the open-ended journey of independent research. The first year, in particular, is a time of adjustment and foundation-building. In the UK, new doctoral students typically dive straight into defining their project: conducting an in-depth literature review and refining their research plan (Taylor 2018). In contrast, some programmes – especially in the US or structured doctoral training centres – include formal coursework, rotations or teaching duties alongside research (Robertson 2020).
Regardless of the system, all first-year PhD students face similar challenges: learning to manage their time, cope with academic uncertainty, and develop the self-discipline needed for a multi-year “academic marathon” (UWS London 2023). This guide outlines what to expect in your initial year and offers evidence-based tips for a smooth start, from setting up good work habits to preparing for key milestones.
Settling into your research and refining your plan
Focus on literature and planning:
In the early months, PhD students often immerse themselves in existing research to ground their project. A comprehensive literature review is not only a first-year rite of passage, but also a crucial step to identify gaps and sharpen your research questions (Taylor 2018).
Expect to spend much of your first year reading and synthesising papers in your field. Investing plenty of time in this task pays off – overlooking relevant studies can derail your plans (Taylor 2018).
Many UK universities also require first-year PhD researchers to produce a substantial report or extended literature review as part of their progress assessment (Clohessy 2019). In practical terms, this means you should be systematically building your knowledge base from day one. Take detailed notes on everything you read and keep records of ideas and methods as you go.
It’s tempting to think “I’ll remember that later,” but one experienced PhD graduate warns that “I don’t need to write that down, I’ll remember it” is the biggest lie you can tell yourself! – you will forget details unless you document them (Taylor 2018). By keeping organised notes on papers, experiments and discussions, you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to write up chapters or prepare your first-year report.
Refining your research plan
This is another key focus in year one. Your project proposal from admission is just a starting point – it will evolve as you delve into the literature and discover what’s feasible. During the first year, expect to narrow or adjust your research questions and map out a realistic methodology.
This planning phase is often iterative and exploratory. Things will not always go according to plan. This does not mean you are a bad student – setbacks or changes of direction are a normal part of research (Taylor 2018).
When experiments fail or a strategy proves unviable, stay calm, discuss with your supervisor, and carry on with a revised approach. Even negative results or dead-ends can provide valuable insight and might still be written up as part of your thesis (Taylor 2018).
Flexibility is important; the first year is a time to “embrace change if necessary” as one guide puts it, making adjustments before you commit to a firm path (Johnson 2020). Overall, by the end of year one you should aim to have a strong grasp of the literature, a clear set of research objectives, and an initial plan for how to achieve them.
Possibly attend training or courses:
Unlike taught degrees, a traditional UK PhD has no compulsory classes or exams in most fields. You will largely set your own learning agenda. However, do take advantage of any skills training workshops offered by your university’s doctoral college or research development programme – especially in your first year.
Many institutions run sessions on research methods, academic writing, data management, or tools like programming and statistics software. These can be invaluable for filling gaps in your skillset. If you have not previously done formal research training (for example, if your background is from a taught Master’s), your department might even require you to attend certain modules in research ethics or methodology during year one. Embrace these opportunities; they will make you a more confident researcher and ease your transition into independent work.
You might also consider picking up a general methods textbook early on to guide your project planning (Johnson 2020). A “big chunky tome” on research design or methods in your discipline can help you frame your approach correctly and design robust experiments or studies (Johnson 2020). In short, use the first year to build the skills you need – both through self-directed learning and any structured training available.
From student to researcher: routine, independence and balance
One of the biggest adjustments in starting a PhD is the shift from the highly structured schedule of undergraduate or Master’s study to the independence of doctoral research. Suddenly, you have no set lectures or weekly assignments dictating your timetable. This freedom is exhilarating but can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life if not managed carefully (UWS London 2023).
New PhD students sometimes make the mistake of treating the PhD like a sprint – working erratic long hours in an effort to prove themselves – only to become overwhelmed or burn out (UWS London 2023). Instead, it’s crucial to approach your PhD like a full-time job in the healthiest sense.
Seasoned academics often advise adopting a consistent work schedule – for example, working roughly 9am–5pm on weekdays and protecting your evenings and weekends for rest (Savvy Scientist 2022; Johnson 2020).
There will certainly be peak periods that demand extra hours (e.g. before a conference or a big experiment), but do not fall into the trap of the “overwork Olympics” (Johnson 2020). Working 12-hour days or feeling guilty for taking a day off is neither sustainable nor necessary for success (Johnson 2020). In fact, maintaining a balanced routine will make you more productive in the long run (UWS London 2023). A recent study found that the majority of graduate students end up spending well over 40 hours a week on their PhD (Robertson 2020), so it becomes even more important to set boundaries to protect your well-being.
Establish a daily routine and stick to it.
Having regular working hours and break times helps structure your independent work. Many students find it useful to treat the PhD like a 9-to-5 job, as this provides a psychological boundary: when you’re “at work,” focus intensely on research tasks, and when you’re “off,” allow yourself to recharge guilt-free (Savvy Scientist 2022). Of course, everyone’s productivity rhythm is different – some people work better in early mornings, others peak at night – so find a schedule that works for you and aligns with any lab access or meeting times. The key is consistency.
Prioritise tasks by setting small, concrete goals each day or week. For example, rather than a vague goal like “work on literature review,” break it down: “summarise 3 articles on Monday” or “write first paragraph of Chapter 1 by Friday”. Setting specific, attainable targets helps you stay motivated and measure progress (Taylor 2018). It also combats procrastination by turning daunting tasks into manageable chunks – a technique encapsulated by using “SMART” goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) for your thesis work (Taylor 2018).
If you achieve a goal – even a small one like finishing a section or troubleshooting a method – celebrate that little success to keep your morale up (Johnson 2020). Each step forward is significant in a long project.
Work-life balance is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Because a PhD has no natural endpoint to the workday, it’s easy to let it consume all your time if you’re not careful. Remind yourself that taking breaks and having a life outside the lab will improve your research. Schedule regular downtime for hobbies, exercise, and socialising. Plan at least one day off each week where you do no work at all – yes, you are allowed a real weekend (Johnson 2020)! By resting, you’ll return to your desk with more energy and creativity.
Monitor yourself for signs of burnout: feeling constant exhaustion, cynicism or reduced efficacy (UWS London 2023). If you notice these, it’s a clear signal to slow down and seek support. Many students struggle with guilt over breaks, but remember that time spent on self-care and recreation is an investment in your productivity. As one university blog notes, you can’t pour from an empty cup – activities like going for a walk, seeing friends, or practising mindfulness might not immediately result in more data or pages written, but they “replenish your intellectual energy” and prevent stagnation (UWS London 2023).
Maintaining healthy habits – getting enough sleep, eating well, moving your body – will keep you far more focused than trying to power through at all hours. Therefore, create a weekly schedule that includes explicit time for non-PhD life (UWS London 2023). In the long run, a balanced approach will enable you to sustain the motivation needed to finish your doctorate.
Adjusting your mindset:
The first year can come with feelings of impostor syndrome and self-doubt. It’s common to worry that you’re not making enough progress or that you don’t know as much as you should. Here it is vital to remember that a PhD is training to become an expert, not expecting you to start out as one (Harris 2025). You are a researcher-in-training, still learning the ropes (Johnson 2020). Do not compare yourself to senior academics or final-year students – they have years of experience on you.
As the months go by, you will gain confidence and competence. If you feel “stupid” or lost at times, recognise that this is actually a normal part of research life; every scholar, no matter how seasoned, encounters problems they can’t solve immediately. Instead of seeing that as personal failure, view it as exactly why you are doing a PhD: to learn how to find answers to challenging questions. Be patient and kind to yourself as you grow into the researcher role.
And importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it (Johnson 2020). Being independent doesn’t mean you must suffer in isolation. If you’re stuck or unsure, speak up – whether it’s asking your supervisor for guidance, consulting a lab mate, or approaching another faculty member whose expertise could help.
Seeking advice is considered a strength, not a weakness. In a PhD, things will go wrong and plans will change; reaching out for a pointer in the right direction or just some moral support is absolutely OK (Johnson 2020). Building a support network (more on that next) will remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.
Setting yourself up for success: practical steps in year one
Beyond the intellectual work, there are several practical steps that can greatly smooth your transition into PhD life. One of the first is to organise your workspace and materials. Whether you have a desk on campus, a lab bench, or you’re working from home, set up an environment that is conducive to focus. Keep your books, notes and data files in order – a bit of time invested in organisation at the start will save you countless hours later.
Develop a system for managing literature: for instance, create logical folders on your computer for papers (perhaps sorted by theme or chapter), and consider using a reference management software (Johnson 2020). In fact, experienced students strongly recommend getting to grips with a reference manager in your first year (Johnson 2020). Tools like EndNote, Zotero or Mendeley can store all the citations and PDFs you accumulate. If you diligently add each new paper to your library, tag it with keywords, and jot a quick annotation, you will build a personal database that m
akes writing your thesis or papers much easier. By the time you’re ready to write up, all your references will be there, ready to cite with a click (Johnson 2020). It’s far more efficient than scrambling through piles of PDFs at the last minute, and it prevents the dreaded scenario of losing track of an important source.
Likewise, keep a research log or diary for your own work: record what you did each week, what problems arose, and any ideas for future experiments or analysis. This habit of documentation will help you track your progress and pick up threads that might otherwise be forgotten.
Make use of university resources and induction activities.
The start of a PhD can feel like moving to a new country without a map – every university and department has its own systems, expectations and culture. To orient yourself, attend any induction sessions offered for doctoral students. Universities usually run welcome or orientation events where you’ll get information on procedures (e.g. how to access funding, training courses, library services) and meet staff from key support departments. Take these seriously: knowing early on who to contact for what (from the subject librarian to the IT helpdesk to the postgraduate administration office) can save a lot of confusion later.
Familiarise yourself with the library and digital resources in your field – arrange a meeting with a subject librarian if possible, who can show you advanced search strategies or useful databases for your literature review. If your research will be lab-based, spend time in the first weeks getting trained on any equipment or protocols you’ll need. Often the first year is ideal for learning experimental or technical skills before the pressure of final-year deadlines mounts.
In short, set up your infrastructure: get your accounts, software, lab access, or fieldwork arrangements sorted out early so that you have all the tools you need to proceed.
Establish a relationship with your supervisor
It’s also wise to establish a good working relationship with your supervisor from the outset. Your supervisor will be your primary mentor and guide, especially in the first year as you clarify your project aims. Don’t wait for them to set all the meeting times – be proactive and propose a regular meeting schedule (Savvy Scientist 2022).
Many students find it helpful to have a standing meeting (weekly or biweekly) to touch base, even if informally. Regular one-on-one meetings ensure you get continuous feedback and keep making progress (Savvy Scientist 2022). Come prepared to these meetings with updates on what you’ve done, questions or difficulties you’re facing, and topics you want input on. Early on, you might discuss expectations and communication preferences: how quickly do they respond to emails? How much initiative do they expect from you between meetings? Clarifying this helps prevent misunderstandings.
Take notes during your supervisions – or even record the conversation (with permission) – because it’s easy to miss or forget advice given in a dense discussion (Nierenberg 2019). If you review these notes soon after, you can draw up an action list for yourself. A good supervisor will guide you, but remember they’re also training you to become an independent researcher. So use meetings to get strategic direction and critical feedback, but don’t expect to be hand-held through every task. As you gain confidence, you will set the agenda more and more.
Build your support network
This means within in the department and beyond. While a PhD is an individual project, it doesn’t have to be a lonely endeavor. Connecting with fellow PhD students can provide both practical help and morale boosts. In your first weeks, introduce yourself to peers in your research group or cohort.
Participate in any doctoral student society activities, journal clubs or informal coffee meetups. These connections are a lifeline when you need to troubleshoot a problem or just vent about the ups and downs. Often, senior students can offer insight into how things work in your specific programme (for example, what the first-year review panel might be looking for, or which conferences are worth attending). Don’t hesitate to ask for their tips – most will be happy to share experiences. Additionally, attend departmental seminars, workshops and social events. Not only will this make you feel more integrated into the academic community, it may spark research ideas or collaborations.
Remember that your well-being is just as important as your academic output. If at any point you find yourself struggling with stress or mental health, know the support services available (universities usually have counselling and mental health advisors for graduate students). Reaching out for help early, whether to friends, family, or professional services, can prevent small issues from snowballing. As one first-year PhD blogger wisely noted, take care of your mental and physical health alongside your research – maintaining your well-being is what allows you to perform at your best (Harris 2025).
Milestones in the first year: probationary review and “upgrade”
A significant aspect of the first year (or early second year) in a UK PhD is the probationary review, often called the “upgrade” or confirmation process. This is the point where you formally progress from the initial enrolment (usually as an MPhil or provisional PhD student) to confirmed PhD candidacy. Every university has its own rules and timetable, but typically the upgrade assessment takes place around 9–12 months after you start (Clohessy 2019).
In practical terms, you will need to demonstrate that your project has potential and that you are capable of completing a PhD. Expect to produce a substantial piece of written work for this milestone – commonly a report that includes a literature review, a statement of your research aims/questions, a summary of progress to date (e.g. any preliminary results or pilot studies), and a plan for the next stages (Clohessy 2019). Essentially, it’s like a mini-thesis proposal that shows you have identified a worthwhile gap in knowledge, surveyed what’s been done so far, and charted a feasible path forward.
Many departments also require an oral component: you might give a presentation to a small panel and/or have a meeting (sometimes called an oral exam or viva) where two assessors will ask you questions about your report and project (Clohessy 2019). Note that your supervisor often does not sit on the upgrade panel – the idea is to get an independent judgment of your progress.
Facing this first-year examination can be intimidating, but it’s also a valuable opportunity. It pushes you to clarify your thinking early and get feedback from academics aside from your supervisor. To prepare effectively for the upgrade, start well in advance. Throughout your first year, keep track of everything you do that could feed into the report. If you maintain good research notes and chapter outlines as recommended above, you will find it much easier to assemble the document when the time comes (Clohessy 2019). In fact, you may find you have already drafted parts of it: for example, if you’ve been writing short summaries or critiques of papers as you read (which is a great habit), those can be expanded and woven into your literature review chapter.
Some students even begin writing their thesis introduction or literature review during first year precisely to use for the upgrade submission – “it’s never too early to start writing your thesis” is a common mantra (Taylor 2018). Early writing has the dual benefit of improving your understanding and creating text you can later refine for the final thesis.
Additionally, approach the upgrade as a checkpoint rather than an exam. Its purpose is to ensure you’re on track and to help identify any weaknesses while there’s still plenty of time to address them. If you prepare diligently, you’ll go into it confident that you know your own project inside-out.
Practice explaining the core rationale of your research and your planned methods; perhaps do a mock presentation to lab-mates for feedback (Clohessy 2019). Think about potential questions (e.g. “Why is this research important?” or “How will you deal with X limitation?”) and discuss with your supervisor or senior students how best to answer them.
When the day arrives, remember that the panel is not there to fail you but to support your development. If you’ve put in the work, you can treat the upgrade meeting as a collegial discussion about your research. Be open to their suggestions – they might point out a useful theory or a risk in your plan you hadn’t considered. Even if you are nervous, try to view it as an opportunity to “show off” how much you’ve learned in your first year (Clohessy 2019).
Often, you actually know more than you realise – the act of writing the report and answering questions can make you aware of how far you’ve come. After passing your upgrade (congratulations!), you will officially be a PhD candidate and typically allowed to proceed into the main phase of research with greater confidence. If the outcome is a conditional pass or even a deferred decision (which may happen if the panel feels some aspect of the project needs more work), don’t be discouraged. Use their feedback to improve and you will get there.
Finally, take a moment to acknowledge and reward yourself for completing your first major PhD milestone. Surviving the first year – literature review, forming a plan, and navigating the upgrade – is an achievement worth celebrating. As one guide suggests, make sure to mark your small wins: hand in your first chapter? Treat yourself to a nice coffee or a meal out (Johnson 2020). Completed the upgrade? Perhaps take a weekend off to relax or do something you enjoy before diving back in.
Celebrating milestones helps keep you motivated for the journey ahead (Johnson 2020). The PhD is a long road, but by pacing yourself, maintaining good habits, and leveraging the support around you, you will build a strong foundation in the first year.
Wrapping up:
The first year of a PhD is arguably one of the most challenging, as you shift gears into a new mode of work and lay the groundwork for the rest of your doctorate. It’s a year of setting patterns: intellectual, practical, and personal. By focusing on a thorough literature review and clear research plan, you establish the academic direction of your project.
By treating your PhD like a job with structured hours and balanced breaks, you establish a healthy work ethic that can sustain you to completion. By organising your workspace, notes and schedule, and actively seeking guidance and community, you create an environment in which you can thrive as an independent researcher. And by preparing diligently for your first-year milestones, you set yourself up for confidence in your capabilities.
Remember that you are not expected to have all the answers at the start. The PhD journey is one of growth – you are learning how to become an expert, step by step (Harris 2025). So be patient with yourself and use the supports available. Challenges will arise, but each challenge overcome is part of your development. With passion for your topic and perseverance in your efforts, you will find your footing.
In time, tasks that felt daunting initially – whether it’s leading a discussion, running a complex analysis, or writing a chapter – will become second nature. Therefore, approach your first year with enthusiasm and diligence, but also with self-compassion. Set a strong pace but not an unsustainable one, ask for help when needed, and keep sight of the bigger picture.
By following these principles and tips, you can make your start as a PhD student not only productive but personally rewarding. Good luck, and enjoy the process of discovery – after all, you have embarked on the adventure of creating new knowledge, and that is both a privilege and a thrill.
References and further reading:
- Clohessy, S. (2019) ‘PhD upgrade: A survival guide’, PhDLife Blog, University of Warwick. Available at: https://phdlife.warwick.ac.uk/2019/05/08/phd-upgrade-a-survival-guide/ (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- Harris, C. (2025) ‘Starting a PhD: Tips from a first year student’, Student Experience Stories, University of Birmingham. Available at: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/student-experience/stories/search/starting-a-phd-tips-from-a-first-year-student (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- Johnson, H. (n.d.) ‘Top 10 tips for new PhD students’, Royal Geographical Society Postgraduate Forum. Available at: https://www.rgs.org/research/higher-education-resources/top-ten-tips-for-new-phd-students/ (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- Robertson, H. (2020) ‘8 big differences between the US and UK PhD experience’, Nature Index (11 March 2020). Available at: https://www.nature.com/nature-index/news/eight-big-differences-between-united-states-united-kingdom-phd-experience-researcher-grad-school (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- Taylor, L. A. (2018) ‘Twenty things I wish I’d known when I started my PhD’, Nature, 563(7729), pp. 573–575 (Career Column, 6 November 2018). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-07332-x (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- The Savvy Scientist (2022) ‘My advice and tips for new PhD students’ (blog, 6 October 2022). Available at: https://www.thesavvyscientist.com/tips-for-new-phd-students/ (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- University of West Scotland London (2023) ‘Maintaining Work-Life Balance During a PhD’ (blog, 15 December 2023). Available at: https://www.uwslondon.ac.uk/blog/work-life-balance-during-a-phd/ (Accessed 20 September 2025).
- Nierenberg, E. (2019) ‘Advice from a recent PhD graduate – reflecting on “Twenty things I wish I’d known”’, Becoming a Researcher Blog (15 September 2019). Available at: https://blogg.uit.no/eni081/2019/09/15/advice-from-a-former-phd-student/ (Accessed 20 September 2025).